The GHG had another interesting and productive meeting last night with a fine turnout for a warm “early summer” night,

After introductions, Jak attempted to show a short video entitled “Living In Gunter’s World” which takes viewers through a short history of surveying measurements and how that has directly affected the shape and history of Vancouver. Unfortunately, technical issues made the viewing impossible, but the link is included in this post and everyone is encouraged to view the 3 minute presentation.

The monthly Neighbourhood Update report covered a lot of ground including commercial property changes on Commercial Drive, and sales of properties on E. 7th, Venables, Semlin, Lakewood, William, Napier, and a number on Charles Street — all with typically high prices, and many seemingly slated for demolition and redevelopment. It was noted that 2088 Charles is being retained by the new owners, using an HRA to include a small infill coach house. Further, work on restoring the Green House at 1985 Venables is moving ahead and should be completed this summer. It was agreed this was a far better use of funds than the Cultch’s original plan to demolish the heritage building and replace it with a modernist and inappropriate box-like structure.

It was agreed to sponsor a Jane’s Walk tour of the Drive on 8th May. Jak will contact Steve Bohus and Lewis Villagas who are interested in organizing the event.

The ongoing Heritage Vancouver series, “Shaping Vancouver” continues on 18th May with a discussion on “What’s So Special About The Drive“. Registration is required.

It was agreed that Jak will conduct a history/heritage walking tour of Commercial Drive on 11th June. More details to follow,

Further walking tour ideas were briefly discussed, including the possibility of one focusing on the women of the neighbourhood,

We discussed the possibility of a 2016 version of our annual Centenary Signs program. Maria and Donato have begun to collect potential houses. It was agreed that Penny and Maria will commence the task of collecting last year’s signs (for cleaning and refurbushment) and Penny will write letters of thanks to last year’s recipients.

To complete the evening, Michael gave a very interesting illustrated presentation on “The Curious Case of Shaughnessy Heights“. The presentation took us through the history of First Shaughnessy from before the CPR land grant to the 1970s and beyond. Michael noted the curiosity that the single-family nature of Shaughnessy was in its DNA — not to mention the various restrictive legislation and by-laws that have governed the district for good or ill.

First, a reminder that GHG’s first walking tour of the year is this Sunday. It is a walk and talk through the older industrial section of Grandview north of Hastings. It begins and ends at Pandora Park. Details can be found in this post.

In addition. the Vancouver Heritage Foundation is holding a tour of Grandview’s Places of Worship led by our good friend and colleague Maurice Guibord on Saturday 23rd April from 10:00am to noon. “Grandview is a vibrant neighbourhood dotted with a diverse array of places of worship. Some remain in their original use, some have changed hands while others are in transition … at least five different sites that are at various stages in their historical timeline. Explore the architecture of these historic buildings, and see how the evolution of religious buildings in this neighbourhood reflects the changing dynamic of the area.” For this tour you need to register, and the cost is $15.

We are a few local historians and other interested people in the Grandview community of Vancouver working to identify, preserve, and celebrate the built, natural, and cultural heritage of Grandview and Commercial Drive. We meet on the third Thursday of the month at Britannia Community Centre. Please contact us at grandviewheritage@gmail.com for more information.